Kelly Pavlik put together a dominant performance in destroying Gary Lockett by third-round TKO tonight to retain his world middleweight title.
But he did more than that: Pavlik stated a case that he might just be the best boxer in the world, not just among middleweights, but in any weight class.
In recent years Floyd Mayweather has owned that distinction, but Mayweather announced his retirement yesterday. And while I don't believe that Mayweather is really retired, I think that he might sit out long enough that people stop talking about him as the best fighter in the world.
If that's the case, the undefeated Pavlik can absolutely fill that void. If he fights and beats Joe Calzaghe, he'll deserve to be called the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-07-2008 @ 11:12PM
George B Vieto said...
Kelly Pavlik is the best fighter pound for pound right now. Floyd "Money" Mayweather Junior just runs his mouth off saying he can defeat the mixed martial arts fighters and so far he is nowhere to be seen. Please if Floyd Mayweather is the best fighter pound for pound then Janelle "Penny" Commisiong is a former Miss America.
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6-08-2008 @ 1:03AM
Ohio said...
youngstown stand up
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6-08-2008 @ 2:11AM
Randy S said...
The BEST!! And a nicer kid never walked the streets of youngstown, Ohio He deserves all that is happening to him and more. Much more GO KELLY!!
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6-08-2008 @ 2:18AM
PIT BULL CAFE said...
MANNY PACMAN PACQUIAO IS THE BEST POUND FOR POUND BOXER HE IS ABOUT TO WIN HIS 4TH TITLE IN 4 DIFFERENT WEIGHT CLASSES HE HAS BEAT 3 WORLD CHAMPIONS AND ALL HIS FIGHTS ARE PAY PER VIEW ONLY DELA HOYA HAS THAT APPEAL OF IMMENSE POPULARITY.
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6-08-2008 @ 7:55AM
SDB said...
Pavlik the best pound for pound in the world??
He isn't even the best in his division. He would have zero chance of beating Calzaghe if the two meet up.
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6-08-2008 @ 7:56AM
Budo said...
This guy is definitely in the top 2 or 3. Too bad that Manny is much smaller, it would be a great fight. Kelly is VERY steady, relentless, calm and schooled. Amazing puncher with short quick shots.
Very nice to see a NICE person go out and do the job without being an ass. Refreshing is not a strong enough word.
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6-08-2008 @ 1:26PM
LB said...
Doesn't he have to beat at least a couple of good fighters first??? Taylor wasn't a great fighter and that is his only big opposition.
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6-08-2008 @ 7:06PM
Boba Gonoush said...
Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik is the man! He is an inspiration to every young kid who thinks athletes
are just self-centered millionaires who just think
about themselves. He is modest, talented and not
full of himself. I hope he stays at the top as long
as he wants.
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6-09-2008 @ 7:57AM
Budo said...
Taylor wasn't a very good fighter?? Tell that to Bernard Hopkins who lost to him TWICE. Also recall that Taylor was unbeaten when they met.
Calzaghe didn't exactly dominate Hopkins (who was 43)!
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6-15-2008 @ 12:27PM
Dan Gibson said...
I think Kelly Pavlik would have a great chance to beat Calzaghe. Since the Lacy fight, Calzaghe has relied on raining "pitty-pat" punches on opponents, winning unimpressively.
Kelly would have a great shot at taking him out.
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7-10-2008 @ 11:07PM
wilson said...
Mayweather got out of boxing because he fears pavlik, and calzaghe. in other words, he is a coward. mayweather is not so rich he would turn down the millions he would have coming in those fights. i even believe he fears fighting de la hoya again.
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